The purpose of child support

In the event of a divorce where the couple had children, the custodial parent is owed a financial obligation by the other parent to be used for the support of the child or children. Every family’s situation is different of course; but generally speaking, the mother is granted custody of the children and the father, who does not live with nor directly care for the children, is assessed an amount to pay. It may be the father is granted custody and the mother pays child support or it could also be that both parents pay an amount to a third party who is granted custody. It is these complexities that often require the knowledge and skill of child support lawyers in San Diego to guide the couple.

The objective is simple, the primary custodian or caregiver is given an amount of money which is to be used for the care of the children. The amount that is granted by the court is based on a complex equation but the support that is granted is to be used in meeting the needs of the children with food, clothing, education, health care, etc. In some cases the parents agree out of court to an amount, in other cases the amount is mandated by the court.

In most progressive Western countries is generally accepted that both parents are responsible for the provision of financial support and well being of the children. The amount of support expected from each biological parent is a percentage which is premised on two principals; the cost of raising a child or, the gross income of the non custodial parent. Different jurisdictions have different formulas that are followed when fixing the amount of grant.

Child support lawyers in San Diego can be called up for any reason up until the time the child reaches 21 years of age. This age is not cast in stone, the parents can make agreements between themselves; for example, the agreement may be that child support will continue until the child has completed college or any other time frame.

In some jurisdictions there may be a base amount set for child support and then additional expenses as they may occur. In other cases, the court can mandate an amount which is sufficient to meet the needs of his child or children.